荣成马山里海域海草床分布现状及其生态特征

海草床是滨海三大典型生态系统之一,具有极其重要的环境改善、资源养护和减灾防灾等生态功能,亦是全球重要的碳库。2016年8月,通过对荣成马山里海域的现场调查,发现了面积为58.26 hm²的海草床,其海草的种类为红纤维虾形草（Phyllospadix iwatensis）和丛生鳗草（Zostera caespitosa）。红纤维虾形草分布面积为54.50 hm²,占该海域海草床总面积的93.5%,分为北部和南部2个带状区域,平均茎枝密度为（368.0±18.2）shoots/m²,平均生物量（干重,下同）为（297.0±41.5）g/m²。丛生鳗草分布面积为3.76 hm²,占海草床总面积的6.5%,呈现斑块状分布,与红纤维虾形草交错而生,平均茎枝密度为（691.2±17.1）shoots/m²,平均生物量为（534.0±70.7）g/m²。马山里海域海草床主要分布在平均水深为（2.8±0.3） m的以岩礁为主的底质上。海草的生长状况存在显著的空间差异,与水温呈现显著的正相关,与水深和陆源污染物存在显著的负相关。结合历史资料,发现该海域海草床退化现象较严重,其主要威胁因素是人为干扰,主要包括渔业生产、养殖活动和陆源污染输入。建议合理规划周边海域的养殖规模和密度、加强陆源污染物管控和开展海草床生态修复工程,以期为温带海草床的有效保护和科学管理提供参考。     

黄海镆铘岛海域海草床数量分布及其生态特征

海草床是近海三大典型海洋生态系统之一,具有巨大的碳储备功能,并为众多海洋生物提供重要的栖息场所及食物来源,在维持近岸海洋生态系统平衡中发挥着重要的作用。2016年8月通过对黄海镆铘岛海域的现场调查,发现分布面积为272.84 ha的海草床主要种类为鳗草(Zostera marina)和红纤维虾形草(Phyllospadix iwatensis)。鳗草的分布面积约为177.23 ha,占总面积的65%,主要分布在镆铘岛沿岸的海参养殖池中,红纤维虾形草的分布面积约为95.61 ha,占总面积的35%,主要分布在沿岸的礁石上,呈明显的带状分布。鳗草的平均株高为(86.8±5.8)cm,平均植株密度和生物量分别为(364.0±14.2)株/m~2和(528.7±20.5)gDW/m~2;红纤维虾形草的平均株高为(112.8±3.8)cm,平均植株密度和生物量分别为(3087.0±35.4)株/m~2和(2320.0±26.6)gDW/m~2。红纤维虾形草的分布水深为(1.80±0.04)m,海草床的水体溶解氧含量较高,达到(10.4±0.1)mg/L,分布有鳗草的海参池塘的底质粒径为(4.6±0.1)mm。结合历史资料,发现该海域海草床退化现象十分严重,这除了受自然环境变化的影响外,与过度的人类活动干扰有关。并提出了海草床修复与保护的建议和对策,可为进一步研究与保护该区域海草床生态系统提供基础。     

海南黎安港海草床分布特征、健康状况及影响因素分析

通过对黎安港海草资源进行调查,并采用《近岸海洋生态健康评价指南》(HY/T087-2005)对海草床生态系统健康进行评价。结果表明,黎安港海草种类主要有2科3亚科4属4种,分别为圆叶丝粉草、泰来草、海菖蒲及卵叶喜盐草;海菖蒲分布广泛,其次为圆叶丝粉草及泰来草,海草床分布面积约为0.93 km²,黎安南岸海草分布面积最大,西岸次之,东岸最小。海草平均覆盖度为37.80%。圆叶丝粉草平均密度872.00株/m²,平均生物量150.34 g/m²,泰来草平均密度405.00株/m²,平均生物量62.45 g/m²;海菖蒲平均密度251.00株/m²,平均生物量778.50g/m²,卵叶喜盐草平均密度6768.00株/m²,平均生物量70.63g/m²,2015年黎安港海草床处于健康状态;2018年处于健康状态边缘;2016年、2017年及2019年均处于亚健康状态,主要体现在沉积物环境、栖息地健康...     

海南儋州湾贝克喜盐草资源分布特征及影响因素分析

通过对儋州湾海草资源全面调查,探讨儋州湾海草资源分布特征及影响因素。结果表明,儋州湾分布海草种类为1科1属1种,即贝克喜盐草,分布总面积约为489 hm²,平均覆盖度为8.46%,平均茎枝密度为2327.98 ind./m²,平均生物量为1.57 g/m²;主要分布于儋州湾里端新英红树林保护区红树林沿岸水域;儋州湾贝克喜盐草的生长主要受到重金属Cu的影响,其次受到水深的影响,且重金属之间呈现极显著正相关,推断是受到附近虾塘养殖废水的排放以及潮汐搬运和迁移的影响;针对儋州湾贝克喜盐草的保护,建议完善红树林自然保护区的功能,将贝克喜盐草增列为保护对象,并加强保护区管理,控制污染源排放及人为干扰。     

中国温带海域新发现较大面积(大于0.5km2)海草床:Ⅱ声呐探 测技术在渤海唐山沿海海域发现中国面积最大的鳗草海草床

近些年来随着生境的破坏其分布面积急遽下降,较大面积连续分布的海草床已经非常少见。本研究首次将声呐探测技术应用到海草床时空分布特征的相关研究中,在河北唐山乐亭-曹妃甸沿海发现目前中国面积最大的鳗草(Zostera marina)海草床,海草床面积高达29.17 km~2,绘制了鳗草分布图和水深分布图,并对鳗草生物量和茎枝高度等基本生物学指标进行了调查。该发现极大丰富了中国海草数据库,并为鳗草的深入研究及保护提供了得天独厚的实验基地,也为周边海洋牧场的构建打下良好的基础。     

澄迈马袅湾网箱养殖区及周边海域大型底栖生物调查

本研究分别于2019年7月(夏季)和12月(冬季)对澄迈马袅湾网箱养殖区及周边海域的大型底栖生物进行调查。结果表明,两次调查共采集鉴定到55种生物,其中夏季31种,主要分布在邻近区;冬季33种,主要分布在养殖区和邻近区。夏季航次,底栖生物在养殖区、邻近区和对照区的栖息密度分别为30.55 ind/m²、40.74 ind/m²和29.63 ind/m²,生物量分别为14.36 g/m²、6.28 g/m²、6.58 g/m²;冬季航次,三个海区底栖生物栖息密度分别为55.56 ind/m²、46.67 ind/m²和27.78 ind/m²,生物量分别为7.29 g/m²、6.20 g/m²和0.22 g/m²。夏季优势种主要为绒毛细足瓷蟹和纽虫;冬季优势种主要为豆形短眼蟹、梳鳃虫、纽虫和哈氏美人虾。夏季养殖区、邻近区和对照区大型底栖生物多样性指数(H′)分别为1.40、2.06和1.46;冬季分别为2.16、1.59和0.94。综上分析,网箱养殖产生的残饵和鱼类粪便,对养殖区及邻近海域底栖生物分布产生一定影响,且其群落结构与区域和季节存在较强相关性。     

中国温带海域新发现较大面积(大于50ha)的海草床:Ⅰ黄河河口区罕见大面积日本鳗草海草床

日本鳗草(Zostera japonica)原是中国沿海潮间带较为常见的海草种类,近些年来随着生境的破坏其分布面积急遽下降,较大面积连续分布的海草床已经非常少见。2015年5月和8月,在山东黄河河口区发现了超过1000 ha几乎连续分布的日本鳗草海草床,与互花米草生境相邻,形成独特的生态景观。对日本鳗草生物量和种群补充等基本生物学指标也进行了调查。该发现极大丰富了中国海草数据库,并为日本鳗草的深入研究及保护提供了得天独厚的实验基地。     

中国温带海域新发现较大面积(大于50ha)海草床:Ⅲ渤海兴城-觉华岛海域大面积海草床鳗草种群动力学及补充机制

鳗草(ZosteramarinaL.)广布于北半球温带浅海海域,其形成的鳗草床具有重要的生态价值。近些年来,我国黄渤海海域鳗草退化严重,较大面积、连续分布的海草床已经非常少见。在渤海兴城-觉华岛海域发现较大面积的海草床,可以作为渤海沿海海草床的典型代表。基于此,2018年5月、9月、11月和2019年3月对该海草床进行了初步调查,探究了渤海兴城-觉华岛海草床鳗草种群补充等生态特征,分析了海草床生境的主要威胁,并提出了对海草床进行有效保护和科学管理的相关建议。结果表明:渤海兴城-觉华岛海草床总面积为791.61ha,海草种类为鳗草和日本鳗草(Z.japonica),以鳗草为优势种,日本鳗草极少且呈斑块状分布;鳗草生物量在2018年5月达到最大值(1241.22—1632.64g/m2);鳗草叶片碳、氮、磷元素含量分别为35.35%—36.57%、1.89%—3.35%、0.14%—0.48%;鳗草海草床以无性繁殖为主要补充方式,有性繁殖补充比例平均仅为1.92%,明显低于国内其他鳗草草床,具有鲜明的独特性;该海草床主要受围填海、捕蛤、围网捕鱼等人类活动的严重影响,并致使海草床边缘区域呈现斑块化趋势。建议对这片珍贵的海草床加以保护和修复。     

海南文昌沿岸大型海藻资源变化及影响因素分析

根据2012年、2018年及2020年调查数据,探讨文昌沿岸大型海藻的资源变化及其影响因素,并提出保护建议。结果表明,2020年文昌沿岸大型海藻有49种,其中红藻26种、褐藻15种、绿藻8种,大型海藻平均盖度为16.26%;麒麟菜仅琼枝(Betaphycus gelatinae)1种,分布面积约为8.88 km²,平均盖度为0.66%,平均生物量为0.012 g/m²。2012年大型海藻有37种,其平均盖度为17.54%;麒麟菜有2种,其分布面积为14.35 km²,平均生物量为7.85 g/m²。2012年、2018年及2020年调查期间,文昌海域大型海藻整体呈下降趋势,平均盖度下降了1.28%,麒麟菜退化严重,面积减少了5.47 km²,平均生物量下降了约7.84 g/m²。大型海藻分布主要受水体与底质环境、草食性生物、海草与珊瑚的分布状况及人为活动等因素影响。针对文昌沿岸藻场保护,建议要加强海域监管,优化分级管理,合理采取保护措施,注重陆海统筹,促进...     

新村湾海黾草（Thalassia hemprichii）的生长策略研究

海草的种内差异是它在特定环境中形成生长策略的关键因素。本研究通过将现场实测数据和文献记录进行类比以探讨新村湾海黾草（Thalassia hemprichii）的生长策略。研究结果表明海黾草地下茎伸长速率的差异可以解释该海草生物量和生长的大部分种内差异;新村湾海黾草垂直地下茎和水平地下茎的伸长速率在夏季分别为2．38cm／yr和24．4cm／yr,在冬季分别为1．87cm／yr和29．2cm／yr。海黾草茎枝密度的变化范围是822shootsm^-2至941shoots m^-2,最大值出现在夏季而最小值出现在冬季,生物量的季节变化与此类似。新村湾海黾草通过交替调节垂直地下茎和水平地下茎的伸长速率以适应光照强度和温度的季节变化,从而导致茎枝密度和地上生物量的相应变化。通过这样的生长策略,海黾草可以把夏季干旱和冬季光照强度下降对其生长造成的消极影响降低到最小程度。     

A comparative study of the photosynthetic activity among three temperate seagrass species in Northern Japan

The photosynthetic activity of Zostera marina, Zostera asiatica and Phyllospadix iwatensis shoots from populations of Hokkaido (Northern Japan) was determined using the pulse amplitude modulated (PAM) fluorometer. Several fluorescence parameters were measured as a function of irradiance and leaf age: electron transport rate (ETR), quantum yield, photochemical quenching (qP) and non‐photochemical quenching (NPQ). The leaf age determined by the leaf position in the shoot bundle strongly influenced the photosynthetic activity of Z. marina, Z. asiatica and P. iwatensis. Young leaves had the maximum electron transport rate (Zm: Leaf 1 = 15.7, Leaf 2 = 16.3; Za: Leaf 1 = 13.0, Leaf 2 = 12.2; and Pi: Leaf 1 = 12.5, Leaf 2 = 11.7) and showed higher photoprotection (NPQ) than old leaves. Among the studied seagrass species, Z. marina had the highest photosynthetic activity (ETR_max = 15.3), in accordance with the highest production in the field in comparison with the other two seagrass species. The PAM fluorometry technique showed to be effective in determining intraspecific (among‐leaves) and interspecific (among‐species) variation in seagrass photosynthetic activity.     

Temporal Dynamics and Biomass Partitioning in Three Adriatic Seagrass Species: Posidonia oceanica,Cymodocea nodosa,Zostera marina

Abstract. The temporal dynamics of three seagrasses, Posidonia oceanica, Cymodocea nodosa and Zostera marina, was studied in different areas of the Adriatic Sea by analysing phenological parameters and biomass trends in different compartments of seagrass systems. For this purpose, samplings were conducted in 1997 once per season at each station, Otranto (southern Adriatic Sea) and Grado (northern Adriatic Sea). Structural parameters and biomass of plant compartments differed among seagrasses both in absolute values and in seasonal variability. P. oceanica was the largest plant, showing the highest number of leaves per shoot, highest leaf surface, Leaf Area Index and shoot weight. Z. marina was intermediate in size and had the longest leaves, whereas C. nodosa was the smallest seagrass. P. oceanica accounted for the highest total biomass (mean ± SE: 1895.9 ± 180.2 g DW · m^–2; CV = coefficient of variation: 19.0 %), considerably more than C. nodosa (mean ± SE: 410.4 ± 88.4 g DW·m^–2; CV: 43.1 %) and Z. marina (mean ± SE: 312.1 ± 75.1 g DW · m^–2; CV: 48.1 %), although the two latter species displayed a higher seasonal variability. Similarly, other features, such as shoot density, leaf surface, LAI, shoot weight and relative contributions of above‐ and below‐ground compartments, were less variable across seasons in P. oceanica than in the two other seagrasses, while leaf length showed the highest seasonal fluctuation in P. oceanica. As for biomass partitioning, C. nodosa showed a higher proportion of the below‐ground relative to above‐ground biomass (up to 90 %), with a distinct seasonality, whereas in P. oceanica the proportion of below‐ground biomass (around 80 %) was fairly constant during the year. We infer that in P. oceanica the seasonal forcing is probably buffered by the availability of internal resources stored permanently during the year in the below‐ground. In C. nodosa and Z. marina, instead, growth processes seem to be amplified by a greater influence of environmental factors.     

Temporal dynamics of subtidal Zostera marina and intertidal Zostera japonica on the southern coast of Korea

The temporal dynamics of two seagrass species, Zostera marina and Z. japonica, were monitored monthly in Dadae Bay, Geoje Island, on the southern coast of Korea. Plant morphological characteristics, shoot density, biomass, leaf production, reproductive effort, and environmental characteristics were monitored from July 2001 to July 2002. Zostera japonica occurred in the intertidal zone and Z. marina occurred in the subtidal zone from 0.5 to 2.5 m below the mean low water level. Shoots and rhizomes were significantly larger in Z. marina than in Z. japonica, whereas the shoot density was greater in Z. japonica than in Z. marina. Despite differences in morphology and shoot density, biomass did not differ significantly between the species. Reproduction occurred from April to June in Z. marina and from May to July in Z. japonica. The proportion of reproductive shoots was approximately three times higher in Z. marina than in Z. japonica. Seasonal variation in the biomass of Z. japonica was caused by changes in both shoot size and density, whereas that of Z. marina was mainly caused by changes in shoot length. Leaf production in Z. marina and Z. japonica showed clear seasonal variation, and leaf production in Z. marina (2.6 ± 0.2 g DW·m⁻²·day⁻¹) was higher than that in Z. japonica (1.7 ± 0.2 g DW·m⁻²·day⁻¹). The mean plastochrone interval was not significantly different between the two species, whereas the leaf lifetime of Z. marina was longer (69 ± 7.8 days) than that of Z. japonica (59 ± 8.3 days). Our results indicated that seasonal leaf growth patterns in Z. japonica are correlated with irradiance and temperature, whereas those in Z. marina respond most to irradiance. Seasonal changes in irradiance appeared to control the temporal variation in above‐ground biomass in both species.     

Spatio‐temporal dynamics and biomass of Cymodocea nodosa in Bekalta (Tunisia,Southern Mediterranean Sea)

Leaf growth, biomass and production of Cymodocea nodosa were measured from October 2006 to September 2007 in Monastir Bay (Tunisia). Shoot density showed a clear seasonal pattern, increasing during spring and summer and decreasing during fall and winter. Monthly mean shoot density ranged between 633 ± 48 and 704 ± 48 shoots?m^?2. The monthly average total biomass ranged between 560 ± 37 and 646 ± 32 g dry weight (DW)?m^?2. Total biomass varied significantly among stations and sampling times but did not show seasonal variation. Leaf plastochrone intervals varied seasonally, with an annual average of 28–30 days. Leaf productivity was highest in August (2.61 g DW?m^?2?day^?1) and lowest in February (0.35 g DW?m^?2?day^?1). Annual belowground primary production varied from 263 to 311 g DW?m^?2?year^?1. Annual leaf production was approximately equal for all the stations (from 264 to 289 g DW?m^?2?year^?1). Variability in water temperature, air temperature and salinity explained the annual variability in biological characteristics. Changes in belowground and total biomass were not correlated with seasonal variability in the environmental parameters monitored. Additionally, a literature review was conducted of C. nodosa features at other Mediterranean sites, encompassing 30 studies from 1985 to 2014.     

Population dynamics and production of the seagrass Zostera noltii in colonizing versus established meadows

The dynamics of the seagrass Zostera noltii in established and colonizing meadows were assessed in Ria Formosa lagoon, Southern Portugal. Shoot weight, above:belowground biomass ratio, flowering shoot density, meadow production, and biomass–density relationships were investigated. Results indicate that the species population dynamics differ clearly in different development stages of the meadows. The overall mean of flowering shoot density was five times higher in the colonizing (83 flowering shoots m⁻²) than in the established meadow (16 flowering shoots m⁻²), revealing a greater contribution of sexual reproduction during the species colonization process. The temporal variation of the biomass–density relationship in the colonizing meadow showed a cyclic seasonal trajectory, a wider range of data, and a simultaneous peak of biomass and density, suggesting no space limitations constraining the internal packing of shoots during the growing season. In the established meadow, density peaked before biomass in agreement to the dominant role of the clonal architecture of seagrasses in the configuration of closed meadows, suggesting the occurrence of self-thinning and/or regulation of ramet formation. Slope of the biomass–density relationships was similar in the established and colonizing meadows, generally suggesting similar nutritional conditions, regardless of their muddy and sandy sediments. Plants of the colonizing meadow invest mainly on the belowground fraction (above:belowground biomass ratio <1), as meadow expansion is mainly controlled by the elongation of horizontal rhizomes. The annual total production (1163 g C m⁻² year⁻¹) and the biomass turnover (34.8 year⁻¹) were also higher in this meadow, corroborating the high investment of the species during the meadow expansion. The faster biomass turnover of the colonizing meadow implies a more limited capacity to accumulate biomass, indicating a greater exportation of organic carbon and nutrients to the coastal area. The different biomass turnover rates suggest different trophic and structural roles of Z. noltii communities in established and colonizing meadows.     

Seasonal dynamics of Zostera noltii hornem. In the bay of arcachon (France)

Seasonal dynamics of Zostera noltii was studied during 1984 in Arcachon Bay, France. In this Bay, Z. noltii colonizes 70 km², i.e. approximately 50% of the total area, while Z. marina occupies only 4 km². Densities and length of vegetative and generative shoots and above-ground and below-ground biomasses were monitored in four meadows which differed according to their location in the Bay, tidal level and sediment composition. Three of these meadows were homogeneous, well-established beds whilst the fourth was under colonization and patchy. Shoot densities and maximal below-ground biomass were lower in the inner silty seagrass bed than in the sandy meadows located in the centre of the Bay. Maximal above-ground biomasses were similar in the two population types. In the well-established beds, vegetative shoot densities, above-ground and below-ground biomasses showed a unimodal pattern with minima in winter (4000 to 9000 shoots·m⁻², 40 to 80 g DW·m⁻², and 40 to 60 g DW·m⁻², respectively) and maxima in summer (11000 to 22000 shoots·m⁻², 110 to 150 g DW·m⁻², and 140 to 200 g DW·m⁻², respectively). Reproductive shoots were observed from the beginning of June until the end of September, except in the colonizing bed where they persisted until December. Furthermore, in the latter, maximal reproductive shoot density was higher (2600 shoots·m⁻²) than in the established beds (650 to 960 shoots·m⁻²). The total production of Z. noltii in Arcachon Bay was estimated to approximately 35.6·10⁶ kg DW·y⁻¹ (19.4·10⁶ kg DW·y⁻¹ for above-ground parts and 16.2·10⁶ kg DW·y⁻¹ for below-ground parts).     

Growth dynamics of the deep-water Asian eelgrass, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Zostera asiatica</Emphasis>, in the eastern coastal waters of Korea

Among the seagrasses that occur along the coast of Korea, Zostera asiatica inhabits the deepest depth; however, to date, there is limited information on its ecology. This study presents the first quantitative data on the seasonal growth dynamics of Z. asiatica in Korea. We measured seasonal growth and morphological characteristics, as well as environmental factors, including underwater irradiance, water temperature, salinity and nutrient concentrations of the water column and sediment pore water, bimonthly from July 2012 to May 2015. Underwater irradiance showed clear seasonal trends, increasing in the spring and summer and decreasing in the fall and winter, ranging from 2.4 ± 0.2 mol photons m^-2 d^-1 in November 2012 to 12.8 ± 1.3 mol photons m^-2 d^-1 in July 2014. Water temperature also followed a strong seasonal trend similar to underwater irradiance, ranging from 9.8 ± 0.1°C in January 2013 to 20.5 ± 0.2°C in September 2013. Nutrient availability fluctuated substantially, but there was no evidence of distinct seasonal variations. Shoot density, biomass, leaf productivity, and morphological characteristics of Z. asiatica exhibited significant seasonal variations: maximum values of these variables occurred in summer, and the minima were recorded in winter. Total shoot density was highest (218.8 ± 18.8 shoots m^-2) in July 2012 and lowest (106.3 ± 6.3 shoots m^-2) in January 2013. Total biomass ranged from 182.6 ± 16.9 g dry weight (DW) m^-2 in January 2015 to 310.9 ± 6.4 g DW m^-2 in July 2014.Areal leaf production was highest (4.9 ± 0.0 g DW m^-2 d^-1) in July 2012 and lowest (1.4 ± 0.2 g DW m^-2 d^-1) in January 2013. The optimum water temperature for the growth of Z. asiatica was between 16-19°C. Growth of Z. asiatica was more strongly correlated with underwater irradiance than water temperature, suggesting that light is the most important factor determining seasonality of Z. asiatica at the study site.     

Enhalus acoroides responses to experimental shoot density reductions in Haad Chao Mai National Park,Trang Province,Thailand

The effect of self‐shading and competition for light in the seagrass Enhalus acoroides were investigated with a density reduction experiment in Haad Chao Mai National Park, Trang Province, Thailand. The study was carried out in a monospecific meadow with a natural density of 141.0 ± 8.7 shoots·m^?2. The intent was to determine the response of E. acoroides beds to loss of shoots and thinning, which often occur during typhoons and severe storm activity. Permanent quadrats were manipulated by clipping the seagrass shoots to 140, 72, 36 and 16 shoots·m^?2, to yield natural, 50%, 25% and 10% densities, respectively. Reducing shoot density in E. acoroides increased underwater light intensity below the canopy, generating increased leaf surface area and shoot weight. Seagrass leaf width, growth rate, and number of leaves per shoot also increased with greater light. The extent of flowering varied among treatments with no consistent trend. Our results demonstrate that increasing the available light to E. acoroides produces an increasing leaf size response as self‐shading in the bed is reduced.     

Molluscan assemblages of seagrass-covered and bare intertidal flats on the Banc d'Arguin, Mauritania, in relation to characteristics of sediment and organic matter

The Banc d'Arguin, a non-estuarine area of shallows and intertidal flats off the tropical Saharan coast of Mauritania, is characterised by extensive intertidal and subtidal seagrass beds. We examined the characteristics of intertidal seagrass (Zostera noltii) meadows and bare areas in terms of the presence and abundance of molluscs (gastropods and bivalves). To explain observed differences between molluscan assemblages in seagrass and bare patches, some aspects of the feeding habitat (top-5 mm of the sediment) and of food (organic materials) of molluscs were examined. The novelty of this study is that phytopigments were measured and identified to assess source and level of decay (freshness) of organic material in the sediment and to study their importance as an explanatory variable for the distribution of molluscs. Over an area of 36 km² of intertidal flats, at 12 sites, paired comparisons were made between seagrass-covered and nearby bare patches. Within seagrass meadows, dry mass of living seagrass was large and amounted to 180 ±10 g AFDM m^− 2 (range 75–240). Containing twice the amount of silt per unit dry sediment mass, seagrass sediments were muddier than bare areas; the relative amount of organic material was also larger. The total number of species of bivalves and gastropods amounted to 27, 14 of which were found only in seagrass areas, 4 only in bare and 9 in both types of habitat. Among the three numerically most abundant species, the bivalves Anadara senilis, Dosinia hepatica and Loripes lacteus, the first was numerically most abundant in bare and the other two in seagrass-covered areas. Bare intertidal areas had greater mean total biomass of molluscs (80.5 g AFDM m^− 2) than seagrass meadows (30.0 g AFDM m^− 2). In both habitats, the bulk of the biomass was made up by A. senilis. Excluding this species, bare mudflats contained on average only 3.1 g AFDM m^− 2 and seagrass meadows 6.9 g AFDM m^− 2. As compared to previous surveys in 1980–1986, the biomass of A. senilis had increased almost 10-fold and D. hepatica, previously found in very small numbers, had become the most numerous species. However, the total biomass excluding that of A. senilis was similar. Concentrations of phytopigments were similar to those observed at temperate mudflats, indicating that the Banc d'Arguin might not be as oligotrophic as previously thought. Per unit of dry sediment mass, smaller amounts of phytopigments were found in bare than in seagrass areas. Per unit of dry organic material, bare sediments contained most (fresh) phytopigments. This suggests that in seagrass-covered meadows the organic material is more degraded than in bare sediments. Overall, the composition of phytopigments, quite surprisingly, indicated a benthic-diatom-dominated trophic system. Multivariate statistics revealed that patterns of zoobenthic assemblages were correlated with patterns of a combination of four environmental parameters: grain size of the sediment, amount of fresh phytopigments and amounts of leaves and roots of seagrass.